Grilled Bell Pepper & Tomato Salad
Make this hearty summer salad with grilled bell peppers, tomato, and goat’s cheese. This tasty salad is great for entertaining outdoors this summer while the barbecue is on! Simply, cool peppers after grilling to mix with other ingredients. Enjoy BC Day by making this salad with local BC ingredients from your farmer’s market. This recipe features goat’s cheese from BC!Ingredients
Serves 6
½ cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) grated Parmesan
1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tsp (10 ml) liquid clover honey, plus more to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning or ¼ tsp (1 ml) each dried basil, thyme, rosemary and oregano
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
4 bell peppers (any combination of red, yellow and orange)
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
3 to 4 heirloom tomatoes (various sizes and colours), cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) slices
1 cup (250 ml) packed baby arugula leaves
½ cup (125 ml) pitted green olives
3 tbsp (45 ml) toasted pine nuts
⅓ cup (80 ml) crumbled BC goat’s cheese of choice
Instructions
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high or broiler to high.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, make dressing by whisking olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust balance as desired with additional honey, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Place onions in a small bowl along with a pinch of salt and a few ice cubes. Add cold water to cover and set aside while grilling peppers.
- Rub peppers with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over direct heat (or under broiler), turning occasionally, until well charred, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer peppers to a bowl and cover top of bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Set aside until peppers have cooled enough to handle, about 10 minutes. When cooled, rub off blackened skins. Cut in half and discard seeds. Cut or tear peppers into pieces.
- When ready to serve, drain red onions and pat dry on a clean tea towel. Arrange grilled peppers and tomatoes on a serving platter. Drizzle with a little dressing before arranging red onions, arugula, green olives, pine nuts and cheese over tomatoes and peppers. Drizzle again with as much dressing as desired and serve.
Drink Pairings
Adult Rainbow Pops
Take the heat off this summer, or anytime per se, with these “spirited” adult rainbow pops! Each layer is tie-died with real fruit! The red layer is raspberry and strawberry, the orange layer is peach and mango, the yellow layer is pineapple, mango, coconut, the green layer is kiwi, the blue layer is blueberries, and the purple layer is mixed berries! Add a dash of vodka to each layer to take these up a notch.Ingredients
Serves 10 to 12 ice pops
Red Layer:
½ cup (125 ml) frozen raspberries
½ cup (125 ml) frozen strawberries
½ banana, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices, frozen
¼ cup (60 ml) raspberry or vanilla Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Orange Layer:
¾ cup (180 ml) frozen sliced peaches
¼ cup (60 ml) frozen mango chunks
2 tbsp (30 ml) frozen orange juice concentrate
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Yellow Layer:
¾ cup (180 ml) canned pineapple tidbits, drained and frozen
½ cup (125 ml) frozen mango chunks
2 tbsp (30 ml) cream of coconut
3 tbsp (45 ml) coconut rum or vodka1
Green Layer:
¾ cup (180 ml) frozen peeled and cubed kiwis
¼ cup (60 ml) frozen spinach, drained
1 banana, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices, frozen
2 tbsp (30 ml) vanilla Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Blue Layer:
¼ cup (60 ml) frozen blueberries
1 banana, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices, frozen
1 cup (250 ml) blueberry or vanilla Greek yogurt
1 to 2 drops blue food colouring, as desired
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Purple Layer:
1 cup (250 ml) frozen mixed berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 banana, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices, frozen
¼ cup (60 ml) raspberry or vanilla Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Instructions
- Using a blender, blend all ingredients of the red layer into a smoothie. Transfer to a bowl and set aside in refrigerator to retain a semi-frozen state. Rinsing blender and working quickly, repeat with each layer, transferring each to a separate bowl and setting in refrigerator.
- Spoon about 2 tbsp (30 ml) of each semi-frozen smoothie colour into ice pop moulds, following the rainbow order of colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
- Insert an ice pop stick into each mould and freeze overnight.
- When ready to serve, remove from moulds and serve immediately, or wrap each ice pop individually in plastic wrap and refreeze until ready to enjoy.
Drink Pairings
Green Bean, Pea & Purple Potato Salad
A heathy, protein rich salad for summer! Source ingredients from your local farmer’s market to enjoy eating this seasonal BC salad. Great for summertime entertaining, this filling salad is the perfect side dish to our Grilled BC Halibut Burgers recipe.Ingredients
Serves 6
1 lb (450 g) green beans, trimmed
1 cup (250 ml) fresh or frozen green peas
1½ lbs (680 g) purple nugget potatoes
⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid clover honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) white wine vinegar
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ English cucumber
½ cup (125 ml) toasted almonds or cashews, roughly chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh chives
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. While water is coming to a boil, prepare an ice bath by placing a couple of handfuls of ice into a large bowl and covering with cold water. Set aside.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer green beans into ice bath. Let beans cool in bath for 1 minute, then use slotted spoon to scoop them out and place on a clean tea towel to drain.
- Add green peas to boiling water and blanch until just tender, 1½ to 2 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer peas to ice bath and let cool for 30 seconds. Use slotted spoon to scoop out of ice bath and place on towel alongside green beans.
- Keep water in saucepan boiling and add potatoes. Cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes, then drain into a colander and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk oil, mustard, honey and vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- When ready to assemble salad, place green beans and peas in a large serving bowl. Cut potatoes in half or quarters and add to vegetables in bowl. Cut cucumber in half lengthwise, scrape out seeds and slice into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick slices. Add cucumbers to bowl along with almonds, chives, basil and mint. Gently toss to combine. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss. Season salad to taste with additional salt and serve. Salad is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Drink Pairings
Albóndigas
Albóndigas are a classic tapas dish that is a must have at your next tapas soirée. These flavour-packed classic Spanish meatballs can be enjoyed on their own or as a side for any meal. Pair with your favourite Spanish wine.Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10 large or 15 to 18 small meatballs
1½ cups (375 ml) chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
1 tsp (5 ml) Spanish smoked paprika
3 tbsp (45 ml) amontillado or oloroso sherry, or red wine
1 × 19 oz (540 ml) can crushed or stewed tomatoes
⅛ tsp (a pinch) red pepper chili flakes (optional)
½ cup (125 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
4 tbsp (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 bay leaf
Meatballs, make ahead, recipe follows
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
MEATBALL RECIPE:
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
¼ cup (60 ml) bread crumbs
1 tsp (5 ml) Spanish smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) pepper
1 egg
1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar
1 cup (250 ml) finely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and paprika and continue sautéing for 1 minute.
- Increase heat to high, add sherry and deglaze the pan. Continue cooking for another minute, until liquid evaporates and mixture looks glossy.
- Reduce heat back to medium and add canned tomatoes, chili flakes (if desired), stock, 3 tbsp (45 ml) parsley and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Continue cooking, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for another 10 to 15 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly. Remove bay leaf.
- Add cooked Meatballs and simmer for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in vinegar, cover and remove from heat.
- Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) parsley.
- To make meatballs, in a small bowl, mix baking soda and water.
- Place ground beef in a large bowl, add baking soda mixture and mix well. Allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix bread crumbs, paprika, salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg and vinegar.
- Add bread crumb mixture, egg mixture, onions, garlic and parsley to ground beef and mix well.
- Using a large ice-cream scoop, scoop out mixture to form 8 to 10 large or 15 to 18 small meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and fry meatballs until internal temperature reaches 160 F (71 C).
- If making ahead, transfer to an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Drink Pairings
Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas for the win! Take potatoes to the next level with this classic Spanish tapas recipe. Serve along side fellow tapas or as a side dish for any meal! Crank up the spice as you see fit or leave it out all together by using a mild paprika.Ingredients
Serves 4 - 6
2 tbsp + 1 tsp (35 ml) salt, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda
2 lbs (900 g) Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1½-in (4 cm) chunks
vegetable oil, for deep-frying
Salsa Brava, make ahead, recipe follows
chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
SALSA BRAVA RECIPE:
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) chopped onions
2 to 3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
1 cup (250 ml) canned crushed tomatoes
¾ tsp (4 ml) Spanish smoked paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) Spanish hot paprika
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable or chicken stock
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- For potatoes, Bring a large saucepan or stockpot of water to a boil. Stir in 2 tbsp (30 ml) salt and the baking soda. Add potatoes and parboil until potatoes can be pierced with a skewer but are still firm, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain liquid completely and spread potatoes on a large baking sheet to evaporate excess moisture. Evenly sprinkle 1 tsp (5 ml) salt on potatoes and stir with a spatula. The surface of the potatoes will look rough and a little pasty. Let cool to room temperature for about an hour.
- In a deep fryer or air fryer, fry potatoes following appliance instructions until golden brown. Alternatively, in a medium saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 375 F (190 C) and deep-fry potatoes in single-layer batches until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Continue deep-frying all potatoes.
- Serve warm on a bed of Salsa Brava, reserving some for a drizzle on top of potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve additional Salsa Brava on side for dipping.
- To make Salsa Brava, in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until onions are translucent.
- Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and smoked and hot paprika, and cook for 1 more minute. Add stock and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some of the liquid evaporates and sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in vinegar, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Using a blender or a handheld immersion blender, blend into a smooth sauce. Serve alongside Patatas Bravas. If making ahead, let cool before refrigerating for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Drink Pairings
Kingston Carnival Rum Punch
The Kingston Carnival Rum Punch recipe is a perfect mix of light and dark rum, tropical fruit juices and a little bit of grenadine. So refreshing and also a perfect party drink for a crowd.Ingredients
Serves 16
1½ cups (375 ml) Appleton Estate Signature Rum
1½ cups (375 ml) Bacardi Tropical Rum
2 cups (500 ml) pineapple juice
2 cups (500 ml) orange juice
4 oz (125 ml) fresh lime juice
3 oz (90 ml) grenadine
1 orange, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 pineapple, cubed
Instructions
- In a cocktail dispenser or large bowl, combine rums, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice and grenadine. Add fruit and let infuse for 2 to 3 hours.
- To serve, measure 4 oz (120 ml) and pour over cubed ice in a punch glass. Garnish with fruit infused with the cocktail.
Featuring
Mega Michelada
Patio season is now! This Mexican inspired Michelada has been taken to the next level with the addition of either tequila or mezcal (optional). Topped off with a mini-Corona, the Coronita! Try this recipe while hosting friends by having a Mega Michelada cocktail bar where guests can dress drinks with their savoury toppings of choice!Ingredients
Serves 10
10 oz (300 ml) fresh lime juice
10 oz (300 ml) clamato juice
3½ oz (105 ml) hot sauce
1¾ oz (50 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 lime wedge, to rim glass
Tajín seasoning, to rim glass 1 oz (30 ml) Hornitos Plata Tequila or Montelobos Mezcal Joven, to serve (optional)
Coronitas beer, to serve
selection of garnishes
Instructions
- In a 750 ml bottle, make Mega Michelada mix by combining lime juice, clamato, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Seal bottle, and gently turn upside down a few times to mix thoroughly.
- To serve, moisten outer rim of a tall glass with lime wedge and dip into Tajín to coat. Fill glass a third full with ice cubes. Measure 2.5 oz (75 ml) of Mega Michelada mix and 1 oz (30 ml) of either Tequila or Mezcal. Top with beer* and garnish as desired.
- *For a lower-alcohol option you can opt for no spirits and/or use low-alcohol or de-alcoholized beer.
Featuring
Berry Good Sangria
Sangria season is upon us! Inspired by our seasonal BC berry bounty comes a twist on a classic sangria! Use your favourite frozen or fresh BC berries (perhaps from your local farmer’s market!) and sip the summer away! Easy for creating in a batch format and sharing with friends.Ingredients
Serves 8
1 cup (250 ml) each strawberries (hulled and halved), blackberries and blueberries, washed
1 x 750 ml bottle Bodegas Borsao Campo De Borja Garnacha
½ cup (125 ml) Fundador Solera Reserva Brandy
½ cup (125 ml) L’Héritier-Guyot Crème de Cassis de Dijon
½ cup (125 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 cups (500 ml) apple juice
2 cups (500 ml) soda water, to serve
Instructions
- Place fruit in a three-quart (3 L), non-reactive pitcher. Add all liquids except for soda water. Stir well, cover and refrigerate overnight, at least 6 hours so flavours infuse. To serve, fill large wine glasses about halfway with liquid and fruit. Add ice and top with soda.
Featuring
Hawaiian-Style Beef Sausages
Hotdogs go Hawaiian with this ultimate dog! Feel free to use any sausage, if pork is your thing, try it! It’s the toppings that count. Tasty homemade Hawaiian teriyaki sauce mixed with pineapple and jalapeño peppers (optional). Try this on the BBQ this summer.Ingredients
Serves 4
1 tbsp (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) light brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger root
1 tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup
2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid clover honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1½ cups (375 ml) pineapple juice
1 cup (250 ml) diced fresh pineapple
1 Ataulfo mango, peeled, pitted and diced
1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh basil leaves
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced, plus 1 thinly sliced into rounds
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 beef sausages
4 brioche sausage buns
¼ cup (60 ml) thinly sliced red onions
2 tbsp (30 ml) roughly chopped toasted macadamia nuts
Instructions
- Start by making Hawaiian teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, hoisin sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic and pineapple juice. Place over medium heat and, stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature before transferring to a squeeze bottle. Hawaiian teriyaki sauce may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
- While grill preheats, make pineapple and mango salsa. In a medium bowl, mix diced pineapple, diced mango, lime juice, olive oil, basil and diced jalapeños. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature while grilling sausages.
- Grill sausages according to package directions, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Split open sausage buns and grill until warmed through and grill‑marked, about 1 minute.
- When ready to serve, place grilled sausages in buns. Drizzle with Hawaiian teriyaki sauce and top with some pineapple and mango salsa, thinly sliced red onions, chopped macadamia nuts and sliced jalapeño rounds, if desired.
Drink Pairings
Japanese-Style Pork Sausages
Look no further for all your favourite Japanese flavours on one tasty hotdog. Who can say no to kewpie mayo, pickled ginger, bonito flakes and nori? Try this ultimate hotdog on the barbecue this summer or roasted over a fire.Ingredients
Serves 4
5 oz (140 g) ginger root, peeled
1 tsp (5 ml) table salt
1 red beet, thinly sliced (optional for colour)
¼ cup (60 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) water
½ cup (125 ml) Kewpie mayonnaise
1 tsp (5 ml) wasabi paste, plus more to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 pork sausages of choice
4 sesame-seed sausage buns
⅓ cup (80 ml) bonito flakes
1 sheet nori, cut into chiffonade
2 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Start by making pickled ginger. Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, very thinly slice ginger. Place ginger in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and mix gently to incorporate. Set aside for 20 minutes.
- With clean hands, gently squeeze ginger to remove any excess liquid before placing ginger in a sterilized glass jar. Add a thin slice of red beet to jar, if desired.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk vinegar, sugar and water. Whisking continuously, bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour over ginger in jar. Cover jar with lid and set aside to cool to room temperature. Pickled ginger can be used right away or refrigerated for up to 1 month.
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
- While grill preheats, in a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, wasabi paste and lemon juice until thoroughly combined. Transfer mixture to a squeeze bottle and set aside.
- Grill sausages according to package directions, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Split open sesame-seed sausage buns and grill until warmed through and grill-marked, about 1 minute.
- When ready to serve, take a couple of tsp of pickled ginger and thinly slice. Place sausages in buns and top with a squeeze of wasabi mayonnaise, a light sprinkle of finely sliced pickled ginger, bonito flakes, shredded nori and green onions. Enjoy immediately.